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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is almost over following Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener indicates the requirement for calm heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining uncapped players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature away from the field. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at international cricket and can embrace the unique chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batsman whether needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a major contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and touch of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his positive approach and propensity to hit massive runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team till C